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LANSING -Attorney
General Bill Schuette today announced the Attorney General's Alcohol & Gambling
Enforcement Division has issued formal 'cease and desist' letters to three
"Internet sweepstakes cafes" operating in mid-Michigan. The letters warn of
possible legal action against the cafes if they refuse to halt ongoing gambling
operations that violate state gaming laws. The letters come as the result of an
ongoing investigation by the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Gaming Control
Board and the Attorney General's office.

"Communities across Michigan are concerned about
activities happening at many so-called 'Internet sweepstakes cafes'," said Schuette. "If evidence of illegal gaming is uncovered at these cafes or
elsewhere, we will work with the Michigan State Police and the Michigan
Gaming Control Board to shut them down."

The three
Internet sweepstakes cafés in question are businesses that sell Internet access
and the chance to play computer-based casino-style games where customers can win
cash prizes. The operations are housed in buildings that contain banks of
computers with Internet access. Some serve light fare, like pop and chips, to
patrons.

Each purchase
entitles the customer to a certain number of sweepstakes entries. The customer
is then given the opportunity to "reveal" whether the sweepstakes entries are
winners by using a computer monitor that activates a spinning wheel similar to
that of a casino-style video slot machine. Schuette alleges that this type of
gaming violates the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

If the three
cafes fail to cease their illegal gambling operations within 14 days, Schuette
may take legal action, which may include the filing of a civil action or
criminal charges.

Michigan's Penal Code and the Michigan Gaming
Control and Revenue Act strictly prohibit unregulated gambling. The only
gambling authorized under state law includes pari-mutuel horse racing, bingo,
the state-sponsored lottery, certain charity events and casino gambling licensed
under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

Michigan
citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal gambling to the
Michigan Gaming Control Board by calling their 24-hour anonymous tip line,
888-314-2682.